General von Kummer served as an officer in the Prussian
Army during Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and as a division level
commander in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. After launching
his military career in 1834 with 18th Infantry Regiment, von Kummer
later saw action in 1848 as Prussian forces quelled numerous Polish
rebellions. Upon attaining the rank of Oberst, von Kummer was
transferred to Berlin in 1860 to serve for three years August Prinz
von Württemberg's chief of staff at Guard Corps headquarters.

As a Generalmajor, von Kummer commanded 25th Infantry Brigade
during the Austro-Prussian War of
1866, engaged as part of the Main Army. His outstanding leadership
during this period merited him the Pour le Merite honor. The Franco-Prussian
War of 1870-71 saw Generalleutnant von Kummer heading troops of 3rd
Reserve Division which took part in the capture of the city of Metz. He
was then transferred to northern France to command 15th Division,
engaged in battle at Amiens, Hallue, and St. Quentin.
In the post-War years, General von Kummer functioned as military
governor of Cologne, retiring from active duty in 1877. He passed
away in 1900 in Hannover. His son Heinrich Ferdinand von Kummer served
as a Prussian general officer as well.